Chicago Park District pushes $630M plan to revamp Soldier Field post-Bears
Chicago Tribune • • sports
Key Points:
- The Chicago Park District has proposed a $630 million plan to transform Soldier Field into a concert and special events venue after the Bears move out, including upgrades to sound systems and surrounding infrastructure.
- Soldier Field generates significant revenue for the Park District, mostly from non-NFL events, but the stadium's $467 million renovation debt is currently paid through a hotel tax that has been insufficient, causing the city to cover shortfalls.
- The Bears currently pay $7 million annually in rent but do not contribute to the stadium debt, which is expected to increase significantly in the coming years due to refinancing.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker indicated the Bears' new stadium likely won't be in Chicago, with Arlington Heights as a key Illinois option,
